So much beauty everywhere!

Everywhere I look, things are blooming and thriving. I have so many beautiful photos that I thought I’d just post a gallery. Our rainy May is really paying off, but hot dry weather is coming- don’t forget to water!

Would you rather grow Tradescantia or Spiderwort?

Photo of Tradescantia
Tradescantia, aka Spiderwort, photo M. Robinson

I planted clumps of Tradescantia about 8 years ago, and they still come up and bloom for 4-6 weeks every spring. They’re so graceful, opening overnight and then slowly closing up as the day goes on. Their common name is Spiderwort! Take a look at this great essay on the awful name. (“Wort” is an old word that was applied to plants with herbal or medicinal properties. It’s still in use in the brewing industry.)

I didn’t even know Mr. Tradescant was a person. Fascinating! I learn so many new things every day.

 

Perfect Peonies

Few flowers are as stunning as peonies. And when I see them I want to make tissue paper flowers! Many are blooming around the DC area already. If yours (like mine) are only in part sun, they are probably still in buds.

Don’t forget to pick them and enjoy them in a bouquet if you have them in your garden!

Covering ground with Euphorbia

Photo of Euphorbia
Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae is a great evergreen groundcover.

I’ve posted pictures of this Euphorbia (Wood Spurge) before, but since it’s flowering right now, I ran out after a rain shower and took another photo. This is such a great groundcover. It’s evergreen and it spreads to cover more area, but it’s very easy to pull out if you think it’s getting unruly. Check out this article from Fine Gardening to see some commonly available varieties.